Prevent China from overtaking India's apple industry !

Himachal apple growers largely depends on apple cultivation for livelihood. The state will have a huge economical impact ( over 4000 crore) if India accepts China's proposal for zero import duty(existing import duty is 50%) on Apple trade. Farmers from states like Uttarakhand and Jammu and Kashmir will also be hit hard. I urge the government and concerned authorities to keep apple out of the ambit of free-trade pact being negotiated with 16 countries under the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

India is importing Washington apple, which has 106 different deficiencies. The plight of apple industry can’t be imagined if the produce is imported from China, Australia, New Zealand and other RECP countries without import duties,Though the RECP trade pact may wrap up this year, the farmers are spending sleepless nights as the free trade with RECP countries will open an unbridled flow of goods from China, wiping out local goods. A free-trade pact with no duty on most products, including apple, could increase the deficit significantly !